24 August 2013 - QA 4

Gurudev, there were many saints in Maharashtra who did miracles and have brought many people into spirituality. Even today, people turn towards spirituality by looking at miracles. What can be done to let the people focus towards spirituality and not on individual gains?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: One has to go step by step, from one ladder (of life) to another to reach the goal of Mukti (liberation). In the beginning they come so that get some relief from the hardships of life so that they can free themselves from their pain and suffering. After this the thirst for knowledge awakens in them. It is after being soaked in knowledge that the human being starts desiring for Moksha (salvation). And all types of people come on the path. This has been going on since time immemorial; it is not something that is happening just now.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that four types of people worship me. Some people want money and comforts, so they come out of desire for that. Some people come to me to get rid of pains and misery. Then some people come for Moksha (salvation) and then there are the Jnanis (knowledgeable ones) who also come to me. He has said this very clearly. Not only the wise, inquisitive people also come to the Lord desiring answers to their deepest questions and to quench their curiosity. All four types of people come to the refuge of the Lord.